Lemongrass

Refreshing, citrus-scented lemongrass imparts unique flavor to recipes. Its coarse tufted stems and leaf buds are among the most sought after herbal parts used in an array of cuisines all over South and East Asian regions.

IDENTIFICATION:

It may appear as chives or green onions upon first site, but look closer at the bulbs at the base of each stalk. They feel very woody and with a slight scratch, the fragrant lemon oils will be released.

Nutrient Value & Health Benefits:

Lemongrass herb has numerous health benefiting essential oils, chemicals, minerals and vitamins that are known to have anti-oxidant and disease preventing properties.

The herb contains 99 calories per 100 g but contains no cholesterol.

The primary chemical component in lemongrass herb is citral orlemonal, an aldehyde responsible for its unique lemon odor. Citral also has strong anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.

In addition, its herb parts contain other constituents of the essential oils such as myrcene, citronellol, methyl heptenone, dipentene, geraniol, limonene, geranyl acetate, nerol, etc. These compounds are known to have counter-irritant, rubefacient, insecticidal, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties.

Its leaves and stems are very good in folic acid (100 g leaves and stem provide about 75 µg or 19% of RDA). Folates are important in cell division and DNA synthesis. When given during the peri-conception period can help prevent neural tube defects in the baby.

Its herb parts are also rich in many invaluable essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish.

Furthermore, fresh herb contains small amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A.

Lemon grass herb parts, whether fresh or dried, are rich sources of minerals like potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Interesting HEALTHY TIP about THAI food:

Lemongrass is also thought to have numerous health benefits , especially when used in combination with other Thai spices such as garlic, fresh chillies, and coriander. In fact, scientists are now studying Thailand’s favorite soup: Tom Yum Kung, which contains all of these herbs and spices, with lemongrass as the key player. Tom Yum is thought to be capable of combatting colds, flus, and even some cancers.

Ayurvedic Properties of Lemongrass:

In Ayurveda, lemongrass is used as a diuretic, nervine, diaphoretic, febrifuge, sedative/calmative and tonic.

As a diuretic, lemongrass increases urination, both in frequency and in quantity, to release toxins from the body.

As a nervine, lemongrass acts as a tonic for the nerves and the nervous system. It helps treat many nervous disorders such as nervousness, shaking hands or limbs, vertigo, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

As a diaphoretic/febrifuge lemongrass helps to bring down fever by fighting the infections which causes the fever as well as by increasing perspiration.

As a sedative or calmative lemongrass has a soothing, sedating and calming effects on mind which helps to relieve tension and anxiety.

As a tonic lemongrass tones all the systems functioning in the body including the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system and excretory system; it facilitates the absorption of nutrients in the body, thus providing strength and strengthening the immune system.

Tastes – Lemongrass is sweet and pungent in taste

Energetics – Lemongrass is cooling in nature. It helps reduce Pitta and Kapha dosha and has a neutral effect on Vata dosha. It is sattvic in nature. It gives one a sense of calm while restoring and revitalizing the mind and body.

Tips for Use:

When preparing lemongrass for cooking, use only the bottom, pale part of the stalk. Slice off the top green part and root end and peel away the tough outer layers. You can then chop the lemongrass with a large, heavy knife; grate it with the fine holes of a box grater; or pound it to a paste with a mortar and pestle.

Tips for Storage:

Fortunately, if you need time to figure out how you want to use your TeenasPrideCSA Lemongrass, there are many favorable ways to keep and store it!

1. Store good-quality, cut lemongrass in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 weeks.

2. Freeze it indefinitely: Although a little perfume and freshness may be lost, the unique flavor remains—and the grass is easier to cut.

3. Snip stalks into small pieces and dry them. Store in airtight jars, then use as is, or grind to a powder before incorporating into a dish.

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